Hong Kong in the rain, Ryo tracking a killer through alleys and temples.

The profile tells of a game that lives on atmosphere above all. Its soundtrack lands ahead of nearly 90% of titles, its rediscovery appeal ahead of 80%, connection ahead of 75%, the desert island ahead of 73%. All on very few votes, so treat it as a first impression. But fun, that criterion of the session you cannot put down, falls right to the bottom, edging out only a quarter of games. The art direction stays middle of the pack. The tension is crystal clear: you love it for what it evokes, not for the immediate thrill of the controller.

Against contemplative adventures, Shenmue II is a benchmark of slow immersion, a world you inhabit rather than consume.

So who is it for? For you if you love wandering, listening, soaking in a place and its music. Much less so if you want a nervous pace and a loop that hooks you in the first hour.